Standard Duration
2 or 3 years, depending on the employer and Free Zone
Migration Overseas
Since 1998
The traditional employment pathway sponsored by UAE employers for foreign workers seeking career opportunities.
The Standard Work Visa is issued to foreigners who are employed by a company in the UAE (Mainland or Free Zone). The employer acts as the sponsor and handles the application process, including costs.
This is the most common visa type for professionals moving to the UAE for employment. The visa is tied to your employment contract and is valid for 2-3 years, renewable as long as you remain employed.
How to obtain your UAE Work Visa
Receive a formal job offer from a UAE-based company. The company must be authorized to sponsor foreign workers.
Employer applies for a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
Once approved, you receive an entry permit to enter the UAE (if you're outside the country).
Complete medical screening at approved health centers and biometric registration for Emirates ID.
The residency visa is stamped in your passport (or issued digitally). You're now a UAE resident!
Understanding your work visa timeline
2 or 3 years, depending on the employer and Free Zone
Can be renewed as long as you remain employed with the sponsor
30 days after visa cancellation to find new employment or leave the country
Can be changed to other visa types (Golden, Green) if you meet eligibility criteria
Essential documents for your Work Visa application
With minimum 6 months validity
Recent photographs meeting UAE specifications
Attested academic qualifications (attestation varies by country)
Signed by both employer and employee
From approved UAE health centers
Processed as part of the application
Bring your family to UAE
Min AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
Can be sponsored regardless of employment status
Sons up to 18 (21 if studying), daughters until marriage
Possible with special visa categories and higher salary
Find answers to the most common questions
Main types include Employment Visa (sponsored by employer), Green Visa (5-year self-sponsored), Freelance Visa (for self-employed), and Free Zone visas.
Your employer sponsors your visa. They apply for work permit and entry permit, then you convert to residence visa after arrival in UAE.
The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored work visa for skilled workers earning AED 15,000+ monthly. It doesn't require employer sponsorship.
Minimum salary varies by emirate and job category. Generally AED 3,000-5,000 for standard employment. Green Visa requires AED 15,000+.
New labor laws allow easier job mobility. You can change employers without waiting period or employer consent in most cases.
Yes, if you meet minimum salary requirements (typically AED 4,000+), you can sponsor spouse and children for dependent visas.
Freelance Visa allows self-employment in UAE. You can work for multiple clients without employer sponsorship. Available in most free zones.
Standard employment visas are valid for 2-3 years, renewable. Green Visa is valid for 5 years. Free zone visas typically 1-3 years.
Required documents include passport, photos, educational certificates (attested), employment offer, medical fitness certificate, and Emirates ID application.
UAE doesn't have traditional permanent residence. Long-term options include Golden Visa (10 years) for qualifying individuals.
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